April 1, 2022
A teen girl embarks on a literary scavenger hunt through England for a chance to win a life-changing prize. After a knee injury ends her soccer career, 18-year-old Britt Hanson knows her college sports scholarship chances are ruined--then she receives a mysterious invitation to travel to the U.K. and compete for $100,000. Britt and three other students have been invited by their English teacher, Ms. Carmichael, who's arranging and sponsoring an all-expenses-paid 10-day scavenger hunt. On a Canterbury Tales-inspired journey, they must follow riddles that lead them to literary locations around the country and complete a journal about their adventures. Ever willing to talk to strangers, playful and outgoing Britt must face her insecurities about the way boys regard her and not being as smart as her older siblings or classmates. Accompanied by Alexis, the snarky chaperone who is in charge of ensuring she stays out of trouble, Britt also picks up Al's cute, bookish cousin, Luke, at her first stop, and he joins her on her travels. Britt's biggest challenge is filling out the journal--she struggles to put her thoughts into words--but she knows she must if she wants to win. Intriguing secrets--how can Ms. Carmichael afford this? Is someone sabotaging the students?--keep readers guessing. The romance is sweet, and Britt's zeal for travel combined with laugh-out-loud moments will charm readers. Main characters are White. An entertaining romp. (Fiction. 12-18)
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May 9, 2022
After an injury ends 18-year-old Britt Hanson’s soccer career, leaving her feeling unmoored and putting her UCLA scholarship in jeopardy, she finds purpose via academic competition in Dean’s breezy debut. When Ms. Carmichael, Britt’s Santa Barbara, Calif., high school’s English teacher, announces that Britt and three other students—meticulous overachiever Amberlyn Hartsfield, football player Spence Lopez, and sullen loner Peter Finch—have been invited to compete in a British literature–inspired scavenger hunt across England for a $100,000 prize, Britt’s all in. Despite insisting that she’s “useless” at anything besides soccer, she’s determined to take home the cash prize to help pay for college. While in England, Britt worries she’s falling behind the competition, until she meets handsome, charming Englishman Luke Jackson. He agrees to accompany her on the hunt, and as the two grow closer, Britt realizes that she might not be such a one-trick pony after all. Britt’s drive to overcome her insecurities—and her delight in traveling, meeting new people, and experiencing new things—are infectious in Dean’s lighthearted, good-humored summertime romance. Major characters cue as white. Ages 12–up. Agent: Eva Scalzo, Speilburg Literary.
July 1, 2022
Gr 9 Up-Britt's only goal in life was to play soccer. Her life revolved around it, and since she excelled, she earned a scholarship to play at UCLA. But when an injury (and resulting serious diagnosis) sidelines her permanently during her senior year of high school, Britt is lost. Soon after, a surprise opportunity presents itself: a literary scavenger hunt across the UK with a large cash prize funded by her English teacher. Britt's not sure she's smart enough to compete against her three intelligent, literary classmates. But if it gives her the chance to still attend UCLA, she figures it's worth a shot. When the competition starts, Britt meets Al, her "nanny" during the journey, and Luke, Al's handsome, smart nephew. Luke joins her on her quest but cannot help in solving the clues. Instead, he challenges her, gives her random facts to inform her journey, and helps her contemplate her life in ways she hasn't before. As someone plots against her, and an accident slows her down, Britt struggles to write the captivating trip journal she needs to win. But with Luke by her side, she gives it her all. Britt stays true to herself and her ideals while learning more about herself. Readers will be drawn in and pull for Britt to see her own true potential and win. VERDICT Recommended for YA collections.-Kelly Jo Lasher
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